Epic Michigan State meltdown ends chance for upset of No. 7 Ohio State

Michigan State and No. 7 Ohio State looked headed for a nail-biting finish with the Big Ten rivals separated by one point late in the third quarter. But then weirdness happened.

Pinned by on their 1-yard line, Michigan State threw three incomplete passes, forcing the Spartans to punt.

Mark Dantonio, though, had other ideas. He instructed the long snapper to fire the ball out of the end zone.

That made the score 9-6. However, it allowed Michigan State to kickoff from the 20-yard line and gain better field position.

Foiling the plan, the kickoff went out of bounds, and Ohio State took over at midfield. The Spartans got a defensive stop, but the ensuing punt was again downed inside the 5.

On the next play, the snap by the Spartans hit a wide receiver in motion. The Buckeyes recovered for a touchdown.

So now Michigan State is down 10, but still with a chance. On the first play of its next possession, an option pitch was fumbled. Ohio State recovered. The Buckeyes got a field goal from there.

With out the benefit of a first down, the Buckeyes were gifted 12 points in the span of just more than three minutes. Facing a 19-6 deficit and their offense sputtering, the hopes of an upset by the Spartans went out the window.